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“We have to take care of ourselves and make sure it’s not us. Ten wins is normally enough to stay up but it’s going to take much more than that this season.

Birmingham Moseley, who are 14, have six wins and Plymouth Albion, who are seventh, have just eight wins.

"We have to hold our nerve and the two home games in January, against Loughborough and Esher, are vital to us going forward.

“I have absolutely no doubt we are good enough at this level but we have to keep improving.”

Action from Sale FC v Cinderford (Image: Nigel Wilce)

Cinderford were beaten 31-17 by Sale in their first game of 2019.

“Last Saturday against Sale was a negative result. However, it was not a negative performance,” said Morris.

“We did a lot right. Three tries for each side emphasises that but ultimately we were undone by a potent Sale back line.

“Their close links with the Sale Sharks is a model I envy and admire. The Sharks coaching staff were all in attendance.

“It was good to play against them and they knew they’d been in a game. We had a lot of possession but they were more clinical.

“They also took advantage of a high penalty count against us and their four successful penalty kicks were ultimately the difference on the scoreboard. Sale deserved to win and we can have no complaints.”

Loughborough Students v Cinderford earlier this season (Image: Copyright Unknown)

On the challenge of Loughborough, Morris said: “Loughborough have picked up massively from the start of the season.

They put 50 points on Caldy last Saturday. They have an injection of Leicester Academy players and that is not something that is unfair. It is how it should be.

“We are in this league to pit our wits against quality sides and quality players, young or old, and all different styles.